Students

ECON8015 – Topics in Applied Econometrics

2024 – Session 2, Online-scheduled-weekday

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor, Lecturer, Tutor
Chris Heaton
chris.heaton@mq.edu.au
Contact via chris.heaton@mq.edu.au
04EaR-436
TBA on iLearn
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MActPrac or ECON840 or ECON8040
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit covers the application of econometric methods to applied problems in economics. The topics covered will vary from year to year, and will extend students' knowledge of econometric techniques beyond that gained in ECON8040. The emphasis of the unit is on the application of econometric techniques as part of an evidence-based approach to knowledge discovery and policy formulation, and theoretical knowledge of econometrics will be developed only to the extent necessary to achieve this. Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to interpret and critically evaluate econometric results that appear in the applied economic research literature and industry reports. They will also be able to design and execute econometric studies that contribute to the analysis of applied problems in economics.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • ULO2: Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • ULO3: Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • ULO4: Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments) 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.  

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 1 33% No Week 6
Assignment 2 33% No Week 10
Assignment 3 34% No Week 15

Assignment 1

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 33%

Assignment 1 assesses work covered in lectures up to the submission deadline. Students will be given an applied econometric problem to work on and will be required to submit a written report on their investigation of the problem. Students will also be required to submit relevant computer files.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assignment 2

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 33%

Assignment 2 assesses work covered in lectures up to the submission deadline. Students will be given an applied econometric problem to work on and will be required to submit a written report on their investigation of the problem. Students will also be required to submit relevant computer files.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

Assignment 3

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 21 hours
Due: Week 15
Weighting: 34%

Assignment 3 assesses work covered in lectures up to the submission deadline. Students will be given an applied econometric problem to work on and will be required to submit a written report on their investigation of the problem. Students will also be required to submit relevant computer files.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Estimate econometric models and test hypotheses using techniques that are appropriate for the problem at hand.
  • Effectively communicate the findings from econometric analysis.
  • Generate and interpret the results of econometric analysis using the software employed in the unit.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate applications of econometrics in the applied economic research literature.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

See iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

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Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit information based on version 2024.01R of the Handbook